US midterms: Democrat Haley Stevens backs Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race

Democrat Haley Stevens announced her support for Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race on Sunday, abandoning Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in the party's primary in August.

The move follows a public feud between the two Democrats, fueled by disagreements over Israel and an advert by an outside group linking US support for Israel to the rising cost of living.

Stevens had demanded that El-Sayed condemn the advert, which she described as antisemitic. He said it was not produced by his campaign and rejected its message.

Escalating Dispute

The dispute escalated after El-Sayed's campaign made clear that Stevens was not welcome at a joint campaign appearance in Detroit. She instead appeared alongside Rogers at a church service before announcing her endorsement.

Political Reactions

The endorsement drew criticism from senior Democrats. Rogers welcomed the support, describing it as a statement about standing together against hate and the future of Michigan and the United States.

The Michigan Senate race is one of the contests that could determine control of the chamber for the next two years.